Construction of a globally significant rare earths project has now commenced in the heart of the nation.
Hundreds of well-paid mining jobs have been created with the start of construction work for the Arafura Rare Earths Nolans Project, 135km north of Alice Springs.
The project will be invaluable to Australia’s national and economic security by providing key inputs to technologies used in clean energy and the defence industry.
The Albanese Government has backed this nation-building resources project with a $1.2 billion investment, delivered through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, the Critical Minerals Facility, the National Reconstruction Fund, and the world-leading Australian Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve.
Importantly, government credit agencies from the United States, Canada, South Korea and Germany have joined with the Australian Government and private investment to ensure this fully integrated ore-to-oxide facility will contribute significantly to creating alternative supply chains for rare earths.
The Arafura Rare Earths Nolans Project was one of the priority projects announced by the Prime Minister and the US President in the White House less than a year ago.
The project reached Final Investment Decision in May this year as a direct result of the Albanese Government’s decision to agree to an historic offtake agreement under the $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve.
The project will provide a huge economic boost to the Northern Territory, with some 600 jobs to be created during the construction phase. More than 350 people will be employed once the project is up and running.
Located 135 kilometres north of Alice Springs, the Nolans Project is expected to supply 4-5 percent of global rare earths demand.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King:
“Today is huge for the Territory, huge for Australia and huge for our partners around the world.
“The rare earths to be mined and processed at Nolans are critical for making high-end magnets used in everything from electric vehicles to fighter jets.
“Getting the project up and running is a real-world example of how the Albanese Government is taking the lead to harden our economic and national security.
“Jobs for Territorians, export income for the nation and a secure supply of critical minerals for the world, this is a project that delivers like few others.
“No government has done more to support the resources industry of Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:
“This project is a powerful example of what supply chain diversification looks like in practice.
“Building new critical minerals supply chains requires more than a resource in the ground. It requires governments and industry working together to attract investment, share risk and build confidence in future demand.
“The Albanese Government’s support for this project, alongside partnerships with like-minded countries, is going to make a huge contribution to more diversified and resilient rare earth supply chain globally.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres:
“Today’s groundbreaking marks an important step in building a stronger economy, backed by critical minerals and rare earths.
“Supported by the Albanese Government’s National Reconstruction Fund, Arafura’s project will help secure supply chains, support regional jobs and investment, and position Australia to capture more value from the global energy transition.”
